The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-09-24
SOME FRENCH TRAITS.
BY MAX o'RELL..

the Comte de Paris or Prince Victor Napoleon, not the Due d'Aumale ol Prince Jerome; the real pretender is the Paris workman. If you speak tc him of "the people," it is he, and he alone, whom he supposes you mean, The millions of quiet peasants, la- borers and other rural toilers he to- tally ignores; he is the "sovereign people," The Parisian workman is not satisfied with the old cry "What is the capitalist? Everything. What ought he to be? Nothing" His new cry is: "What is the workman? Nothing, What ought he to be? Everything" A member of the com- mission appointed By the late French parliament to inquire into the Paris workman's life, asked one of them to get up the budget of his family ex- penses. After prescribing minutely all the necessaries the workman put down, "for music halls, theatres, dis fractions, 300 francs" Suppose the country engages in war, the Paris workman endorses uniform and sings war songs, but the peasant sees his land laid waste and his cottage burnt down, and this is why you will un- derstand that he feels it his duty to hate the Germans in theoretical way, but hopes and trusts that he may not live to see the day when he or his sons may be called upon to avenge the dis asters of the terrible year of 1870.
 The French never, or very seldom, allow themselves to be completely absorbed by business. They always set apart certain portion of time to the amenities of life. They are as se- rious as you like at work, but in a moment they will exhibit any amount of good humor at play, and again will resume the harness as quickly as it was thrown off. If you go into shop at dinner timc-I speak now of the small provincial towns-you may run the risk of receiving very little atten- tion, or even none at all. I remember once-it was at St. Malo, in the sum- mer-I entered a hatter's shop at one o'clock in the afternoon. A we'll dressed, lady like girl came out of the back parlor and inquired what wanted.
 Il want straw hat, mademoiselle," I said.
 "Oh. that's very awkward just now"
 ''Is it:"
 Well, you see," she said, my brother is at dinner;;" and after pause of few seconds, she added "Would you mind calling again in an hours timer"
 ''Not at all" replied, q shall be delighted to do so."
 1 was not only amused, but struck with admiration at the independence of that worthy natter. After a few years of residence in England little scene of that description was great treat.
 An hour later called again. The young girl made her second appear ance.
 My brother waited for you quite ten minutes" sine said to me; he is gone to the cafe with friend now"
 "I am sorry for that" said "when can see him?"
 "lf you will step across to the cafe, am sure he will be happy to come back and attend to you"
 thanked the young lady. went to to the cafe, and introduced myself to the natter, who was enjoying cup of coffee and having a game of dominoes with friend. He asked me to allow him to finish the game, which, of course, was only too glad to do, and we returned to the shop together.
 When we French appoint new government official it is new master that we give to ourselves to snub us or to bully us. I have an interesting illustration of this. Two young chemists (one English, the other French) were in partnership in Paris, and one day made up their minds to start afresh in Egypt. Each wrote to his consul in Cairo. The English mans letter ran thus: "Dear sir, am about to open business as a chem ist in Cairo. Will you be good enoug. to tell me what are my chances of success in Egypt and what tormalities, if any, should have to comply with before entering upon the undertaking. Yours truly, JoHN." By return of post he received a most polite letter, containing all the details of informa- tion he wanted. The young French man wrote: "Monsieur le Consul General: Il am desirous of setting up as a chemist in Cairo. Dare hope that you will spend few minutes of your valuable time to give me such information and advice as you may consider likely to be of use to me? With many apologies for intruding upon you, have the honor to be, Monsieur le Consul General. with greatest respect, your most obedient and humble servant, JACQUES" This letter was written four years ago. The dear fellow is still waiting for that